Rugby

New recruits handed chance to shine against Ospreys

DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan has named six new players in his starting line-up for Warriors' pre-season clash with Ospreys at Sixways tomorrow (7.30pm).

New scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone will skipper the side alongside vice-captain Niall Annett, who joined from Ulster this summer.

Former Harlequins man Sam Smith will start on the wing while the squad contains a new front-row comprising Ryan Bower, Annett and Nick Schonert.

In the second-row, the giant Dan Sanderson is set for his first Warriors appearance alongside last season's supporters' club young player of the season Mike Williams.

The Sixways faithful will see the return of Matt Cox at number eight, partnering Richard de Carpentier and Sam Betty in the back-row.

Ben Howard (full-back), Max Stelling (centre) and Dean Hammond (wing), who are all members of the first-team squad this season, will feature in a backline which includes Ignacio Mieres at fly-half and Andy Symons in the centre.

An 11-man bench also sees seven players who could be in line to make their first appearances for Warriors.